Suresh Prabhu Flags Off Fast Passenger Carrying Train

The Union Minister for Railways, Mr. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu flagging off Train 74619/74620 Banihal-Baramulla Fast Passenger (DEMU) and 74617/74618 Budgam-Baramulla Demu through Video Conferencing between Rail Bhawan and Anantnag Railway Station, in New Delhi on May 05, 2016. The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Chairman, Railway Board, Mr. A.K. Mital and other dignitaries are also seen.

Banihal-Baramulla Fast Passenger (DEMU) and Budgam-Baramulla DEMU in the State of Jammu & Kashmir

New Delhi (PIB-GR-TYP-BIN): The Union Minister of Railways Mr. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu in the presence of Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances& Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh flagged off Train 74619/74620 Banihal-Baramulla Fast Passenger (DEMU) and 74617/74618 Budgam-Baramulla Demu through Video Conferencing between Rail Bhawan New Delhi and Anantnag Railway Station. Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Ms. Mehbooba Mufti graced the inaugural function at the Anantnag Railway Station along with other dignitaries. Chairman, Railway Board, other Board Members and various other dignitaries were among those present at the Rail Bhawan. Baramulla-Budgam-Banihal section is presently being served by 13 pairs of train services which mean 26 single services are presently running.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Railways Mr. Suresh Prabhakar said that seamless rail connectivity among all the districts of Jammu & Kashmir has always been a long-standing demand of this beautiful valley and the new services of trains will prove a great comfort to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the State of Jammu & Kashmir has great importance from the tourism point of view where national and international tourists visit throughout the year and thus this connectivity will give a boost to tourism in the State. He said that Railway is also working with the help of IRCTC to bring Jammu & Kashmir on a tourism map which will not only promote tourism but also promote its handicraft industry and its delicious cuisines. He said that the Prime Minister of India has specifically focused on development of Jammu & Kashmir State.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the new train services in the Valley is a great relief to the people and a good rail connectivity of train will help develop the State in the field of tourism, economically, social and all other spheres. He said that new train services will reduce the journey time of the people of Valley and will also be cost effective as the fares of trains are less as compared to road transport.

(Source: PIB/GR/TYP/BIN/USPA/WN/IAIJ)